But Simmons again flew the Australian flag highest just a day after he was overlooked for an All-Star reserve spot.

The 21-year-old, who’s been picked to play for the World against the USA in the All-Star weekend’s Rising Stars Challenge, posted his triple-double inside the first minute of the second half and his 22nd minute on court.

In eclipsing Jason Kidd’s 1994-95 record of four rookie season triple-doubles, Simmons has now scored more than LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Michael Jordan did together in their respective rookie seasons.

He sits in third position for most triple-doubles of 2017-18 behind Westbrook (14) and James (7).

In a match the Sixers billed as Australian Heritage Night, the Melbourne product’s 11 first-quarter rebounds almost tied a franchise record for rebounds in a quarter, held by Hall of Fame centre Wilt Chamberlain.

But Simmons denied his exceptional performance was motivated by missing out on the rare feat of gaining All-Star honours as a rookie.

He said the message it sent was that his teammates can score.

“They’re great players. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have a triple-double,” he told NBC.

“I want to be the greatest to play the game. It’s going to take a lot of work, but I believe I can get there.”

Philadelphia moved up to seventh in Eastern Conference standings.

Elsewhere, Mills led all San Antonio scorers off the bench as Pau Gasol narrowly missed a triple-double against brother Marc in the Spurs’ win.